Some 1000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have voluntarily started leaving the UNMISS protection-of-civilians (PoC) site in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal, the mission’s spokesperson Ariane Quentier said today.

Speaking to Radio Miraya, Ms. Quentier said the peacekeeping mission is facilitating transport by boat across the river for the people who appear to be returning to their homes on the Eastern side of the River Nile. 

“Two days ago there were 1000 people who gathered to the gate of the UNMISS protection of civilians site of Malakal asking to be able to go back home to the East bank of the Nile,” she said. “Some of them were escorted to the west bank to be able to cross. Unfortunately, as this was a new development, we didn’t have boats to make them go across (so) we could only make a few of them to go across.” 

Earlier in the week, acting UNMISS State Coordinator Isiaka Adesola Abolurin revealed that UNMISS had set up security measures in order to assist those who voluntarily want to return to their homes, especially in areas around Malakal like Makal, Ogod and Wau Shiluk at the western bank.

He noted that the process, which was ongoing on a daily basis, had involved an understanding between the mission and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) on the ground.

“Through a series of discussions with the SPLA, they agreed to allow IDPs to go back in to their villages voluntarily and peacefully” said Mr. Abolurin.

The acting State Coordinator said since the signing of the compromise peace agreement in August, there had been more calm and security in the state.

“We hope (for) cooperation of the two parties (to the conflict) to bring peace to this part of the country which is badly affected by the ongoing crisis,” he added.

Mr. Abolurin also said there was ongoing relocation from the old POC sites to a new extension area and IDPs were cooperating with UNMISS and humanitarian partners to move peacefully.

“We received news of barges mounted by relief services mainly for the IDPs in both Malakal and the population on the western bank river in Makal and Wau Shiluk areas which are heavily affected by food shortages,” he added.